Smooth transition for new education board chair

Gail Lowe enjoyed a smooth transition this afternoon in her new role as chair of the 15-member State Board of Education, conceding, however, that she’s “more comfortable sitting over there than here.”

SBOE Chair

Gail Lowe

Lowe, R-Lampasas, enjoyed her quiet, background role as a member before Gov. Rick Perry promoted her last week to lead the board. Perry’s previous choice, Don McLeroy, R-College Station, was not confirmed by the state Senate earlier this year.

McLeroy complimented Lowe at the end of her first meeting as presiding officer: “Good job, Madam Chair. Thanks,” he told her.

The board had a routine meeting, with some discussion on the process for appointing “expert reviewers” in the developing of new curriculum standards for Texas public schools.

Currently, it takes at least two board members agreeing before an expert gets chosen. And no board member can have more then one nominee.

It would be easier to pair up if the chairperson did not participate in the nomination process because 14 would be easier to divide than 15.

Pat Hardy, R-Fort Worth, also suggested establishing stronger criteria for choosing the experts. Two of the current experts involved in developing new social studies/history standards have a religious background. The board will take action Thursday.